Glasgow 2026: Nigeria’s Medal Charge Continues as Umoafia Wins Fourth Gold, NSC Eyes Bigger Haul
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow gathered further momentum on Sunday as weightlifter Edidiong Joseph Umoafia clinched the country’s fourth gold medal, reinforcing confidence that Team Nigeria is on course for an impressive overall medal haul.
Umoafia delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 71kg weightlifting event, finishing ahead of John Lautafi Tafi of Samoa and Ezekiel Moses of Nauru to secure the gold medal for Team Nigeria.
Earlier, Nigeria’s medal tally had also been boosted by Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who won silver in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 168kg, comprising 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk.
Reacting to the team’s performances, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the country’s medal projections remain firmly on track.
According to him, the silver medal won by Nyong exceeded expectations, noting that the Elite Board had projected a bronze medal for the athlete.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” Olopade said.
The NSC Director General expressed optimism that Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent would significantly increase the country’s medal tally.
“I was with the athletics team last night and we’re hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” he added.
Olopade commended the athletes, coaches and officials for their dedication, saying the renewed direction of Nigerian sports is becoming evident through the team’s performances.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to athlete welfare under the leadership of NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stressing that Nigerian athletes deserve recognition, support and rewards for their efforts.
With four gold medals already secured and athletics events still to come, Team Nigeria remains confident of surpassing its medal targets at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
